Qantas takes passengers on virtual reality dive into the Great Barrier Reef

Sydney-based Rapid VR, which specialises in producing 360-degree immersive content, partnered with Qantas, Hamilton Island and Samsung to produce a VR film, which allows the airline’s customers to enjoy a 360-degree experience of the Great Barrier Reef and Hamilton Island.

The film is available in select Qantas international lounges and flights, where it can be viewed through the Samsung Gear VR headset. It is also available for online streaming via YouTube (see below) and 360 video site Vrideo, and as an app on the Gear VR's Oculus Store, and Android and iOS devices.

Virtual reality has been tipped as the next big innovation to shake up the marketing and advertising industry, and brands are increasingly experimenting with the medium. 

Brands such as Qantas are seeking to leverage the latest technology to create new ways to engage with customers, said Susannah DiLallo, executive producer at Rapid VR.

For an interactive 360-degree experience, view in Google Chrome browser and select at least 1440p

Qantas group executive for brand, marketing and corporate affairs, Olivia Wirth said: "Our virtual reality headsets have already proven a hit with our customers in our lounges and on some of our international flights. It's a fantastic way for us to give our customers a unique experience of the Great Barrier Reef and Hamilton Island, which we expect will translate into more people choosing to visit the Whitsundays for the next holiday destination."

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